A person's worth nowadays seems to be judged according to social status and material possessions. Old- fashion values such as honor, kindness and trust no longer seem important. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Sample 1:

It is argued by many that an individual’s worth today is judged by his socio-economic condition rather than his personal morality and quality. I totally agree with this opinion. This essay will first delineate how people often make instant judgments about others by their clothing choices and belongings and then it will suggest that most celebrities are adored despite lacking moral values demonstrating that material possessions are more important to society.

People are often held in high regard for their elegant clothes, luxurious cars or the latest gadgets. This quite superficial paradigm of thought is prevalent among all segments of society, whether be it how an attendant treats consumers in a restaurant, or what interviewers might think of applicants while interviewing them for a job. In professional contexts, for example, people who dress in a well-tailored business suit are perceived as more competent, professional, and successful than those who wear casual clothes. Thus, people hold someone in considerable respect for his material possessions.

This is also apparent in our celebrities’ cases. Most actors, singers and models are revered for their lavish lifestyle or superior status in the social hierarchy. However, many of these superstars lack moral fibre as they get involved in substance abuse, cheating spouses and so on. Things like having a magnificent mansion, maintaining an extravagant lifestyle or achieving a high position in society are exalted above moral principles. A case in point is a celebrity in Bollywood, who was convicted for poaching rare antelopes, yet he still continues to receive accolades for his acting career.

To conclude, I think that material possessions are more important to society these days, and this can blatantly be obvious by how we behave towards those with no money and how we treat vacuous celebrities.

Sample 2:

We live in a world in which everyone is judgmental to the extent that one often makes inconsequential remarks in regard to things that does not affect one in the least bit, such as if other people are driving a Lamborgini or if they are carrying a Hermes bag. It seems as though old-fashioned values such as honour, generosity, and trust do not amount to much in today's condemnatory world. Apropos of the statement, I am in part accordance with it.

It is inarguable that a staggering number of people only consider how their connection can bring advantages to them when befriending someone. For instance, one might think twice before making friends with someone who is kind but impoverished, as there is no benefit that is likely to stem from the connection. On the flip side, ingratiating with someone who displays ostentatious wealth might be more auspicious for one in the future.

Similarly, one from a wealthy family might feel hesitant to befriend someone who is struggling to make ends meet, seeing as the latter is not on the same level as one in terms of social status. Also, there is no guarantee that one will not be on the receiving end of bullying if one befriends someone of a lower status. Case in point, kids from my school will not let Jaycea hear the end of it because she is friends with Elaine, a driver's daughter, notwithstanding the fact that Elaine is trustworthy and dependable.

On the contrast, I also believe that it is unreasonable to stereotype the whole society based on the behaviour and way of thinking of some people. Like the aforementioned case in which Jaycea is willing to befriend Elaine despite being bullied, it shows that it is possible for some people to value trust and generosity over social status.

To sum up, while it is commonplace for people to hold a higher value of material possessions and social status in this overcritical world, there are also people who value old-fashioned values more and they are not to be overlooked.

Sample 3:

It is true that people are judged based on their social status and personal wealth nowadays, and traditional values such as integrity and honesty are being forgotten. To a certain extent, I would agree with the fact that people are valued based on their wealth and status these days, but I also believe that old-fashioned values still play an important part in our societies.

It is believed that we are living in the pop culture and materialistic era these days, as the public judge each individual based on his/her social status and wealth. It can be seen from how celebrities become famous nowadays. Many celebrities are popular because of their physical appearance and personal wealth such Kim Kardashian. Her reality television program never shows any world class acting quality, but only shows her luxurious mansions and fancy cars. And then there are other celebrities who are well known due to his/her social status as the son or the daughter of a wealthy family. One of the examples would be Paris Hilton. Although she has many bad attitudes, she is still popular because she inherits the assets of her parents.

Although traditional values such as respect others, being responsible, honesty and integrity seem to be forgotten nowadays, they still play an important part in many communities. In common cases, employers are still assessing their potential employees based on their hard-working attitude, positive behaviour and their integrity. And then businesspeople are still looking for business partners who are reliable, can be trusted, and dependable. Therefore, it is important for adults to educate their children about these positive values because they still play an essential part in society.

In conclusion, even though people are judged based on their wealth and social status nowadays, I do believe that old-fashioned values such as honour, respect and trust cannot be eliminated from our daily lives. Therefore, we must teach our young generation about these cultures, in order for them to survive and succeed in the future.

Sample 4:

The rapid pace of global change has had a profound impact on the way society assesses an individual’s value. It is evident that contemporary evaluation of worth is heavily influenced by one’s financial standing and societal rank, while traditional virtues like honor, compassion, and trust seem to have diminished in significance. I vehemently disagree with this viewpoint.

While it is undeniable that material possessions and social status contribute to the external perception of an individual, I contend that the intrinsic value of a person is rooted in traits such as honor, kindness, and trust. It is a common adage not to judge a book by its cover, aptly illustrating the fallacy of assessing individuals solely based on their external wealth and status. These traditional values serve as a benchmark for genuine worth, distinguishing individuals of substance from those merely adorned with external opulence. For instance, a student at my former school discovered a substantial sum of money and promptly returned it to a teacher, displaying remarkable integrity. In recognition of this virtuous act, the principal commended the student in front of the entire school community.

Furthermore, the enduring significance of honor, kindness, and trust is underscored by their ability to shape meaningful relationships and foster a cohesive society. These virtues cultivate an environment of mutual respect and empathy, which are essential for sustainable and harmonious communal existence. Consequently, the notion that these values have become outdated or inconsequential in contemporary society is grossly misplaced.

In conclusion, despite the prominence of material wealth and social status as external markers of worth, the enduring value of a person lies in their possession of virtues such as honor, kindness, and trust. These intrinsic qualities not only define an individual’s character but also contribute to the fabric of a cohesive and ethical society.

Sample 5:

In today’s world, there is a widespread belief that a person’s value is mainly determined by their wealth and social status, while older virtues like integrity, compassion, and confidence are seen as unimportant. I strongly uphold the view that traditional values continue to hold great importance.

The emphasis on material riches can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, it is undeniable that wealth enables a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle, providing individuals with the means to engage in various experiences that contribute to their happiness and leisure. Consequently, many individuals prioritize the pursuit of wealth as a path to attaining contentment. Secondly, the widespread use of technology has led to an increased focus on material possessions in the pursuit of personal goals. Those who acquire wealth are often admired and revered, with modern-day billionaires serving as models to emulate.

However, despite the practical advantages outlined above, I argue that conventional values continue to exert a crucial influence on human existence. It is essential for individuals to recognize that integrity, compassion, and confidence form the foundation of their character. These attributes enable people to build connections within society and foster meaningful relationships, which are essential for achieving success. Moreover, possessing admirable traits not only cultivates sincerity but also enriches interpersonal relationships, thereby improving the overall quality of life.

In conclusion, while the pursuit of wealth and status has become a focal point for many due to societal progress, the enduring impact of traditional values on the attainment of success remains evident. It is therefore sensible to affirm that these values retain their significance in the contemporary context.

Sample 6:

There are numerous ways in which a person can be valued, and these vary widely from culture to culture. They also vary over time, and some people suggest that in the modern era it is more common for people to be judged according to their wealth, rather than personality attributes. This essay will argue that it is probably not true.

Looking around, it is easy to see why someone might claim that people are increasingly judged by their material possessions. One just has to look at social media, such as Instagram, to see how expensive possessions can equate to popularity. Young people aspire to have fast cars and designer clothes so that they can appear wealthy and gain the attention of others, building large online followings.

However, is this a modern phenomenon? It seems unlikely. In ancient eras, it was kings and queens who were revered by the wider society. They were not necessarily loved for their honour and wisdom; mostly they were adored for their wealth and power. People wanted to emulate them, just like today’s celebrities. The idea that these “old fashioned” values were somehow of value in historical eras, but not today, is probably false. In fact, in today’s democratic societies, it is common to see people admired and even rewarded because of their outstanding personality traits, whereas in the past these may have been overlooked.

In conclusion, people have probably always worshipped others because of their social status and material possessions. The idea that we are now living in a vapid, materialistic age is likely untrue.

Sample 7:

Given the power and influence of the super-rich, it might seem as if social status and material possessions are the new symbols of personal worth, but in everyday life, I do not think this is true.  

It is apparent that most celebrities today are admired or envied solely for their material wealth or position in various social hierarchies. Many of these people are known to turn their backs on friends, cheat on their spouses or spend their evenings over-indulging in alcohol and drugs. Things like owning a mansion, driving an expensive car, and getting into A-list parties are exalted above old-fashioned values. Ultimately, though, it is the many readers of gossip magazines and celebrity blogs who reinforce these ideas.  

Nevertheless, I believe that most people still believe in values such as honor, kindness, and trust in their day-to-day lives. In some way, most of us want to form loving families, raise our children to be good citizens, stand up for the oppressed, and protect our communities from harm. We still form friendships, romances, and business partnerships based on old-fashioned criteria. When our trust is abused, or we are unfairly treated, we see that as a major violation of our relationship, and we judge the wrongdoer accordingly.

In conclusion, I believe there is some truth to the notion that status and possessions have superseded old-fashioned values as a measure of a person’s worth. However, looking beyond the tabloids, it is apparent that most ordinary people have still preserved an old-fashioned conscience. 

Sample 8:

Our society has progressed in many ways but regrettably regressed in terms of humanity. It is argued that a person's value is determined more significantly by their social stature and wealth as opposed to the core values they possess. This essay only strongly agrees with the statement as we are indeed currently surrounded by a materialistic generation but there are still instances where the importance of humanity has not been superseded yet.

It is irrefragable that the community we live in today is superficial. Someone's influence and affluence are enough to earn them friends, a job and uncountable favours. As repulsive as it could get, people have even begun initiating connections with others based on looks, popularity and richness. Korean drama shows such as True Beauty, for instance, exemplify exactly that. The web series features a girl who is mistreated and ignored due to her appearance notwithstanding her beautiful persona, all of which changes drastically when she uses heavy makeup to entirely change her get-up. In real life too, a politician's son would hypothetically receive more benefits at a government-funded institute as opposed to a poorer but brighter student. This mirrors how our current society has become quicker to "judge a book by its cover".

On the contrary, this mindset hasn't entirely infiltrated this generation. There are still areas where fundamental human values like honour, kindness and trust take precedence. A befitting example of this is the practice that doctors follow. In a hospital, patients are never prioritised or shown partiality based on parameters like financial strength or social credibility. Instead, they are only prioritised based on clinical needs and every patient is treated with compassion regardless of their position in the societal hierarchy. Instances like these truly leave room for hope, convincing us that the importance of human values has not yet eroded completely.

In conclusion, this essay agrees that an individual is analysed more based on parameters like social status and wealth to only some extent because people do indeed behave rather ostensibly nowadays. However, the essay cannot fully agree with the statement as there are also aspects of society where primary principles like kindness matter most.

Sample 9:

Human society is changing rapidly and core values such as honour, trust and kindness are not as important as they used to be. It is believed by many that money has replaced those core human values and people are now analysed by their status. I partially agree with this point of view and believe that still there are some areas where humanity does matter instead of money.

To begin with, there is no doubt that the way people live has now changed a lot and the most visible change in society is its hunger towards money. Everyone in the world is after money and due to this fact people are now making connections with those who their status matches. For example, nowadays, people judge others based on their appearance and then give them treatment based on their judgement. Because of this money-driven society, there are many other serious problems rising like extremism and polarization.

On the contrary, though society is changing rapidly, and core human values are not as important, still there are some places where core values matter. For instance, when hiring an employee, a recruiter does not focus on the candidate's status or wealth, but his skills are checked. Secondly, there are still many people in society who value humans rather than money.

To conclude, it is true that society has changed a lot and is now driven by money. But still, there are instances and people in this world who value the core aspects of being human.

Sample 10:

There are groups of individuals who believe that social status and material belongings are the basis of their worth at the present time. Others opine that honour, kindness and trust, which are the old-fashioned core values, are not essential. I firmly agree that the behaviour and character of a person are crucial to judging the worth of one's life.

In our society which is surrounded by famous and wealthy artists who owned luxurious private vehicles and villas, the community might see them as the worthiest citizen above all. For instance, in the Philippines, the public gives importance to this popular actor since their material possessions are immeasurable to the extent that the state provides them all the special treatment and access to fine dining restaurants once they had their meal. Consequently, in the public, they are indispensable people.

However, I think people who possess good right conduct must be considered by society to look up to because material things may vanish in just a snap of seconds, but the character will remain as it is. In addition, being kind and trustworthy along with having an honour for themselves may help others to realize the real essence of living and treating others even without those fancy valuables. For example, in Africa, most population have the kindest and pure hearts that can be seen in every situation, likewise, these human beings can be trusted enough because it's from the bottom of their hearts and conscience. Hence, not having material objects and showing old-fashioned behaviour made them worthy throughout their existence.

As an average individual, I had observed in our village that people are showcasing honour, kindness and trust towards their fellow men in such a way the young generations may witness it, practice and inherit this valuables behaviour that money cannot buy. Like my own grandparents, they are farmers in my hometown and most neighbourhoods respect them a lot as a result of the kindness that they shared with the community.

To conclude, others may possess all the material wealth in this world and people might see them as worthy, however, in the long run, those crowds who showcase great values and right conduct are still the worthiest among all people.